Common Indonesian Words and Phrases
There are many common phrases you're likely to encounter when speaking Indonesian. Below you will find translations for several such words and phrases to help get you speaking in no time.
Below you will find question words like who, what, when, where, and why, plus other important phrases like thank you, pardon me, I don't understand, and do you speak English? There are plenty more beyond that too and more added as we're able, so have fun and see what you can learn!
For the full list, simply scroll down, or use the quick links below to skip to the section you want to learn.
Common Words and Phrases in Indonesian:
Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view this list of common words from English to Indonesian.
Quick Links:
Yes and No in Indonesian
Thank You in Indonesian
How are you? in Indonesian
Do you speak English? in Indonesian
Getting to Know People in Indonesian
Question Words in Indonesian
Other Useful Phrases in Indonesian
Yes and No in Indonesian
Ya ➔ Yes
Tidak ➔ No
Thank You in Indonesian
Terima kasih ➔ Thank you
Kembali ➔ You're welcome
How are you? in Indonesian
Apa kabar? ➔ How are you?
Kabar baik ➔ I am fine
Do you speak English? in Indonesian
Apa bisa berbahasa Inggris? ➔ Do you speak English?
Saya tidak bisa bicara Bahasa Indonesia ➔ I can't speak Indonesian
Saya tidak mengerti ➔ I don't understand
Tolong, berbicara lebih pelan ➔ Please speak slowly
Getting to Know People in Indonesian
Siapa namanya? ➔ What is your name? ("Who is your name", literally speaking)
Nama saya... ➔ My name is...
Siapa itu? ➔ Who's that?
Sudah kawin belum? ➔ Are you married?
Yah, sudah ➔ Yes, I am
Belum ➔ Not yet
Boleh tahu a/s/l? ➔ May I know your a/s/l? (age/sex/location)
Umurnya berapa? ➔ How old are you?
Umur saya tiga pulu satu tahun ➔ I am 31 years old
Dan mana? ➔ Where are you from?
Saya dari Amerika ➔ I'm from America
Question Words in Indonesian
Siapa ➔ Who
Apa ➔ What
Kapan ➔ When
Oi mana ➔ Where
Kenapa ➔ Why
Mengapa ➔ Why
Bagaimana ➔ How
Berapa? ➔ How much/many?
Yang mana ➔ Which
Other Useful Phrases in Indonesian
Apa ini? ➔ What's this?
Jam berapa? ➔ What time is it?
Jam setengah sembilan ➔ It is eight thirty ("half nine", literally speaking)
Ma'af ➔ Pardon me
Sama sama ➔ Same to you
Mau ke mana? ➔ Where are you going?
Jalan-jalan saja ➔ I'm just taking a walk
*Common Indonesian words and phrases last updated: January 24, 2025.
Next Up
Indonesian Family and People Words: Learn how to say family and people words in Indonesian.
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